The clubs, the trends: look at 2010

Words by: Clare Scott

Posted: 29/12/10 14:41

365 days, 525,600 minutes (527,040 for leap years)-whichever way you look at it, twelve months still pass in the blink of an eye. However, in that very same length of time, we all know just how much things can change-fashion takes a new direction (often in what seems like only a week), music follows suit with the rise and fall of hot, happening artists, and clubbers craft their own trends by personalising whatever of-the-moment look is de rigueur and by flocking to the latest hip hang-outs. So what were the most important trends we were wearing this year? Where were the coolest places to be seen? Who were the top names to be listening to while you were there? We're stepping back and taking a moment to look at 2010 with a fresh-found perspective, plus have also rounded up some of you who where there as it happened, in a bid for you to share your most important memoirs of the year with the rest of us. After all, there's nothing quite like hearing it from the horses mouth...

First up-fashion. The ever-evolving world of fickle trends has brought us all manner of ludicrous looks this year. Underwear as outerwear? Check. Jogging bottoms with porn star heels for the office? Of course! This year's most fashionable clubbers have snapped up each trend after the next with baited breath, with one in particular ruling supreme: leather. From skin-tight leggings to body-con dresses and high-waisted pencil skirts, leather in all its glory has been hitting the fashion headlines for as long as we care to remember. What's more, the skin-on-skin look is set to continue throughout 2011.

Another mainstay, something Louisa Daniel, a London-based buyer can't live without, is that old faithful, a playsuit. In it's various guises - for example, short and printed, asymmetric and full-length - it's been the festival girl's essential; "My vintage-style floral Urban Outfitters playsuit saw me through a summer of gigs and festivals. Playsuits are so versatile as they look really chic teamed with sunnies and a skinny belt", says Louisa. But what about the boys? Seems that for the lads it's all about simplicity and that your often one-track minds can filter through to fashion too; "It's all about striped T-shirts for me!" says Cliff Johnston.

Cliff, an Ibiza regular and London-based DJ was keen to share his top clubbing moments of 2010 with us too; "It's got to be Ibiza, when Loco Dice and Marco Carola played back-to-back at Sands beach bar in Playa d'en Bossa [this August]. Being close to the DJs was cool and they played all afternoon. That and Joris Voorn at Space are my two highlights of clubbing in 2010." What a year it's been for Mr Voorn too-once better known for his remix skills, his Space residency has allowed him to deliver his own handy-work direct to the masses, and has catapulted the man into spotlight where he's remained ever since.

Along with Voorn, it's also been 80s electro-beat-addict Tensnake's year. Frankly, who hasn't heard his Coma Cat on a night out? Joy Orbison also joins the A-listers of house, having had an incredible rise that was kick-started way back at the tail end of 2009 in the form of his 'Hyph Mngo' release. Last but very far from least, it would only be right to sneak in a mention for Deadmau5 and the mafia too (Swedish House, that is) who have excelled themselves in reaching out to the forever-growing masses-each acts have experienced global sell-out gigs and have been on constant repeat on every teeny boppers iPod, naturally interspersed with David Guetta's catalogue of easy-money hits.

Moving away from the chart-toppers, 2010 has also been the year of the international festivals. They may have been going for years, but well, the Brits haven't. This summer, festivals 'across the pond' have seen a huge influx of Brit kids jetting over on the hunt for lesser-known places to get their groove on and to make a heap of new worldwide-based playmates. Places like Cocoon's Frankfurt-based Green and Blue and Croatia's Garden Festival quickly became 2010's go-to destinations for a cooler, cheaper get-away. Heloise Balme, a global strategy manager and part-time jet setter, hit the jackpot this year; "The Norman Jay boat party at Garden Festival went off BIG TIME! It was in such a lovely setting with lovely people too-my kind of clubbing." Next year sees Garden Festival reel things in for a smaller party over one weekend only, making it a dead-cert destination to experience the cream of Croatia's clubbing. Naturally, Heloise has already booked up for 2011; "I'm looking forward to a return to garden fest with even more legendary dancing friends, plus the fab crew we met there last time!"

With 2010 rapidly drawing to a close, its hardly surprising clubbers are already devising plans for 2011. Once the 'what do for New Year' decision has been made and the evening goes out with an almighty big bang, all eyes will be set on how to make 2011 even bigger and better.

Here at I Voice, we've consulted our crystal ball and are fully prepared to axe the over-made resolutions of 'lose weight' and 'spend less' and focus solely on having the time of our life. Bring on the flamboyant new fashion trends, the latest up-surging parties, and the freshest faces on the DJ circuit. Do like us and get your diary and credit card at the ready as if 2010 is anything to go by, 2011 is set to smash it.